13+ Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

While the uses for white vinegar are plentiful, apple cider vinegar has arguably even more applications. Its wide-ranging benefits (rivaling the number of uses for tea tree oil and other nifty natural helpers) include everything from curing hiccups to alleviating cold symptoms, and some people have turned to apple cider vinegar to help with health concerns including diabetes, cancer, heart problems, high cholesterol, and weight issues. Read on for more reasons to keep apple cider vinegar handy in your pantry.

Apple cider vinegar helps tummy troubles

For an upset stomach, sip some apple cider vinegar mixed with water. If a bacterial infection is at the root of your diarrhea, apple cider vinegar could help contain the problem, thanks to its antibiotic properties. What's more, some folk remedy experts contend that apple cider vinegar contains pectin, which can help soothe intestinal spasms. Try mixing one or two tablespoons into water, or clear juice like apple juice.

Apple cider vinegar cures hiccups

Take a teaspoonful of apple cider vinegar; its sour taste could stop a hiccup in its tracks. One teen took the hiccup remedy further and created a lollipop that includes apple cider vinegar, which she says "cancels out the message to hiccup" by overstimulating the nerves in the throat responsible for the spasms.

Apple cider vinegar soothes a sore throat

As soon as you feel the prickle of a sore throat, employ germ-busting apple cider vinegar to help head off the infection at the pass. Turns out, most germs can't survive in the acidic environment vinegar creates. Just mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup warm water and gargle every hour or so.

Apple cider vinegar could lower cholesterol

More research is needed to definitively link apple cider vinegar and its capability to lower cholesterol in humans, but one 2006 study found that the acetic acid in the vinegar lowered bad cholesterol in rats. Also, a Japanese study found that half an ounce of apple cider vinegar a day lowered cholesterol in people who participated in the panel.

Apple cider vinegar prevents indigestion

Sip before eating, especially if you know you're going to indulge in foods that will make you sorry later. Try this folk remedy: add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink it 30 minutes before you dine.

Apple cider vinegar clears a stuffy nose

Next time you're stuffed up from a cold, grab the apple cider vinegar. It contains potassium, which thins mucus; and the acetic acid in it prevents germ growth, which could contribute to nasal congestion. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink to help sinus drainage.

Apple cider vinegar aids in weight loss

Apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight. Here's why: The acetic acid suppresses your appetite, increases your metabolism, and reduces water retention. Scientists also theorize that apple cider vinegar interferes with the body's digestion of starch, which means fewer calories enter the bloodstream.

Apple cider vinegar gets rid of dandruff

On his website, Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends apple cider vinegar as a dandruff treatment. The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle, and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week for best results.

Apple cider vinegar clears acne

Apple cider vinegar makes a great natural toner that can act as a natural home remedy for acne and leave skin looking healthier. Its antibacterial properties help keep acne under control, and the malic and lactic acids found in apple cider vinegar soften and exfoliate skin, reduce red spots, and balance the pH of your skin.

Apple cider vinegar boosts energy

Exercise and sometimes extreme stress cause lactic acid to build up in the body, causing fatigue. Interestingly, the amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar act as an antidote. What's more, apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes that may relieve that tired feeling. Next time you're beat, add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of chilled vegetable drink or to a glass of water to boost your energy.

Apple cider vinegar cuts down on nighttime leg cramps

Leg cramps can often be a sign that you're low in potassium. Since apple cider vinegar is high in it, one home remedy suggests mixing 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon honey to a glass of warm water and drink to relieve nighttime leg cramps. Of course, by the time you walk to the kitchen to put the drink together, your cramp is likely to be history—but maybe that's the point.

Apple cider vinegar banishes bad breath

If proper brushing and mouthwash doesn't do the trick, try the home remedy of using apple cider vinegar to control bad breath. Gargle with it, or drink a teaspoon (diluted with water if you prefer) to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Apple cider vinegar whitens teeth

Gargle with apple cider vinegar in the morning. The vinegar helps remove stains, whiten teeth, and kill bacteria in your mouth and gums. Brush as usual after you gargle. You can also brush your teeth with baking soda once a week to help remove stains and whiten your teeth; use it just as you would toothpaste. You can also use salt as an alternative toothpaste. If your gums start to feel raw, switch to brushing with salt every other day.

Apple cider vinegar fades bruises

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties; dabbing or laying an apple cider vinegar compress on a bruise can help fade the discoloration.

Apple cider vinegar helps control blood sugar

A few swigs of apple cider vinegar could help keep your blood sugar levels balanced, according to several studies that have shown a link between the two. One study of people with type 2 diabetes who weren't taking insulin found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed resulted in lower glucose levels by morning. Another study at the Arizona State University found that insulin resistant people who drank a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water before eating a high carbohydrate meal had lower blood sugarafterward. Scientists think the antiglycemic effect of the acid is the key.

How do you feel now for the country? Do you now feel a sense of pride for her knowing how powerful Filipinos are as people? How would you show your love for her? How much do you care about her?

        I’ve always been proud to be a Filipino. In the history of our nation, we can list many of our countrymen whom we consider as heroes.  They are the ones who gave their all, even their lives, for the good of our country.  The best example is Jose Rizal, who stood against the Spaniards and who became our National Hero.  There are many other men and women who courageously fought enemies in defense of our motherland.  The rest of the world admired the Filipinos for the peaceful bloodless revolution during the EDSA Revolution that took place in 1986.  Thousands of Filipinos participated in a peaceful way to effect change for our country.  Those who took their part overcome their fear of danger, even of being killed.  With this, we can see that Filipinos could unite for the love of our country.  I also believe in what Ninoy Aquino has said: “The Filipino is worth dying for.” To show my love and care for her I will help improve the economy by being industrious and diligent in my work and by patronizing Philippine products and the pay the right taxes and obey the other laws of the land.  I care so much about the Philippines that I will not bribe police officers or government officials or employees in my community.  I will vote for deserving candidates.  I will also take part in our democratic processes, not only in elections but in other ways.  I will not be afraid to voice out my beliefs that are according to God’s will. 

            The welfare of our country is in our hands, and so are the ways to make it happen and prosper.  Let us thank God that He has placed us in this country. Though we may have so many problems, yet we can see that we are truly blessed by God as a people.

Justness and Sincerity

               Few years ago, I was also a victim of temptation.  I have gone through a lot of things and mistakes.  You will just have to realize that we should learn from it and do not repeat the same mistake again.  There are lots of instances when being right and just is being tested.  But all that matters is, you have to admit making an error when you commit one, learn from it and put forward your own solutions. 

            For me being honest starts within yourself and that I should know first what things are good.  I should have adequate knowledge and resistance to temptation to prevent myself from engaging in dishonest practices.  Honesty and justness also start with strong leadership.  It also requires elected officials to be accountable for their actions and words.  We need to remember, as elected officials and government employees, that the taxpayer is our boss and serve them by being good steward of their money.  An honest and just person possess God-centered values and attitudes, understands co-workers and fellow men and shows genuineness of concerns for country and people.  An honest and honorable life has many characteristics.  Here are some of them; It is a life full of faithfulness and obedience to God’s laws.  It means turning away from sin – serious wrongdoings such as stealing from the government you are working in.  It also means giving up bad habits like using foul language, gossiping and bribery.  It is striving to be good and holy, a life of honesty and integrity.  It also means not cheating and taking advantage of others, a life free from greed and free from seeking your own interest at the expense of others.

How can you put into practice political neutrality?

The majority of government officials these days have forgotten about social conscience as what I have seen on local news.  As one author said, “Politics in the Philippines is not a way of life but a way to earn a living.”  Now that 2013 National Elections is approaching, decisions and actions in regard to political neutrality can be difficult but if you have equally strong commitment to professionalism, it can be handled easily. During my term as SK Chairman, vote buying was very rampant.  In my case, in order for me to stay away from it I just have to follow election guidelines and refrain from getting involved personally with the campaign groups and with the candidates themselves. I cannot imagine myself getting involved in anything more political than voting on Election Day, wisely. Gifts and rewards are widespread during elections but I shall not allow to be placed in situations where I should be duty-bound to reciprocate a service or benefit given. In the workplace, like for example, some people say that gift–giving can be ethical as long as it is practice with moderation. Others say that regardless of the gift’s value, it is unethical. If the gift is given under situations that may make the gift a form of bribery, it could be considered unethical.  It is very tempting though, I admit, I but I shall not abuse it.

For me it is our responsibility to do our job with sincerity and keeping up professional practice and ethics in the public office.  This will eventually lead to reasonable and fully unbiased decision-making creating a good and balanced workplace.  So one way of putting into practice political neutrality is by not siding or discriminating against any parties.  We have our own political views but I think I should be very careful of what to say.